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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

LEVI, Oscar Ozzie
LEVI, Oscar 'Ozzie' Passed away on July 23, 2012, at the age of 86. He was the son of Samuel 'Morris' and Anna Levi of Queens Village, New York. He discovered a love of aviation early on, and that was the driving force through out his life. He attended the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, where he studied engineering and chemistry. After graduation, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II as an Aviation Cadet after which, he went to Purdue University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1952. In his long career, he worked for Sikorsky Aircraft, Ryan Aeronautical, Republic Aviation and Gyrodyne. In 1962, he joined Northrop Corp. where he worked on a variety of development programs such as the T-38, F-5 and YF-17. He later managed a variety of conventional fighter, VSTOL fighter and training systems programs. His opportunities with Northrop included lengthy stays in China and Germany where he offered contract support. After his retirement from Northrop in 1995, he became a fixture at Fox Airfield where he maintained his two classic Bellancas: a 1949 Cruisair and a 1957 Cruisemaster. Ozzie was a longtime resident of Lancaster, and member of the Beth Knesset Bamidbar Synagogue. He served in many positions on the Board, including 5 terms as President. He also volunteered at the LA County Sheriff's Department for 16 1/2 years, where he accrued more than 5000 hours of community service. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rhoda, three children: Karen, Donna and Mark, their spouses James Buxton, Jack Schweizer and Debby Levi, a grandson Cory Levi, and sister Rozzie Griesbach. His generosity and dedication to being of service enriched the lives of many. He was much loved by his family and friends from around the world. There will be a memorial service in his hanger at William J. Fox Airfield (WJF) West Ave G, Lancaster, Calif. on Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the 'Antelope Valley Chapter of the 99s,' to a scholarship for pilot training. Send to the attention of Ellie Coussens, P.O. Box 5131, Lancaster, CA 93539.